A diversity of whisky and spirits
Our tasting events are held on Mondays, typically once a month between September and May. We plan each tasting around a particular theme or type of spirit, ranging from single malt Scotch whisky or bourbon to other spirits such as rum, gun, tequila, and mezcal. Flights typically consist of six specially ½ oz pours.
Charcuterie or other small bites may or may not be provided as part of your tasting fee; however, depending on venue, additional food or beverages may be ordered individually.
From the curious to the connoisseur
We have a growing membership of over 100 strong and are always welcome new members or guests. Our members range from the casual enthusiast to the expert collector. We strive to ensure that everyone feels like a part of the community, no matter your own personal experience.
For an initial one-time membership fee of $30 (which goes towards glassware and other operating costs), you’ll be able to receive tastings at a discounted price. Tickets are typically $45 per evening for members and $60 for non-members.
Informal, informative tastings
Each bottle in our tasting is presented by a member of our team or an invited guest, with the exception of our blind tasting events. Each of our presenters have their own specialties, styles and methods of presentation. Most are very informal, with just enough information presented to give a background on the spirit offered, while some will include incredible amounts of material on history, methods of production and even chemistry.
Stephen Brown
Co-founder, Web Admin, Presenter
Stephen co-founded the society with Claude after a number of small gatherings among the Math and Stats faculty at Okanagan College. While he usually is busy keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, you’ll often find him presenting for gin nights and faking a Scottish brogue for the Address to the Haggis on Robbie Burns Day. Stephen is also a cocktail enthusiast and loves to come up with a cocktail list for his home bar for private gatherings.
Andrew Braun
Researcher, Presenter
Firmly representing the “and Fine Spirits” part of the Society, Andrews first love is rum but brandy and bourbon is what got him into spirits. He first started presenting with the club at the second bourbon tasting in February 2017 and has led bourbon, rum and Canadian whisky tastings ever since. A biochemist amongst other things and an afficionado of the entire spectrum of zymology, his tastings tend to lean heavy into the history and chemistry of spirits consumption and production.
Christine Wentzell
Finance, Event Coordinator
Nicole Arkle
Social Media, Marketing
Claude Hurtubise
Co-founder
Claude co-founded the society with Stephen back in 2015 and has presented the vast majority of tastings since. He has stepped down from administration in the society, but you’re sure to find him at all sorts of tastings around Kelowna and beyond.